Requirements to Carry Fire Extinguishers
Federal law requires all vessels, including PWC, to have a Type B fire extinguisher on board if one or more of the following conditions exist:
- Any inboard engine
- Closed compartments where portable fuel tanks may be stored
- Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not filled completely with flotation material
- Closed living spaces
- Closed storage compartments in which flammable or combustible materials may be stored
- Permanently installed fuel tanks (any tank where the removal of the tank is hampered by the installation of tie-down straps or clamps)
On Maine waters, an outboard watercraft less than 26 feet in length that is not carrying passengers for hire is not required to have a fire extinguisher on board if the watercraft is constructed in a way that does not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors.
Even if a fire extinguisher is not required on your watercraft, it is recommended that you always carry one on board in case of an emergency.
Approved types of fire extinguishers are identified by the following marking on the label—“Marine Type USCG Approved”—followed by the type and size symbols and the approval number.
